There are two major aspects to tracking of wildlife – track and sign interpretation, and trailing (following animal trails).
- Track and sign interpretation – this component of animal tracking looks at the signs left by wildlife.
- Trailing – this component involves following tracks to find the animal.
Here are some of our favorite once-in-a-lifetime tracking experiences with some of Africa’s special wild animals in their natural habitats.
1. TRACKING WILD DOGS IN THE AFRICAN BUSH
PLACE: Somkhanda Game Reserve, KwaZulu – Natal
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE:
With fewer than 400 African wild dogs estimated to be left in South Africa, seeing one of these predators in the wild is always a privilege. Daily activities at Somkhanda Game Reserve include wildlife tracking and monitoring of endangered species, which include the African wild dog, black rhino and vulture. Tracking them by vehicle, and occasionally on foot, offers some of the best wild dogs sightings in the world. Guests can enjoy the privilege of joining monitors on an important management activity, whilst learning about the practical techniques used to track the reserve’s priority species (wild dog, lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo)
2. TRACK CHEETAH IN THE KAROO
PLACE: Rogge Cloof, Sutherland
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE:
Join a qualified guide on a drive to find one of the Rogge Cloof cheetah. Once a signal is picked up from a collared individual, you will have the opportunity to get closer to the cheetah on foot. This activity is facilitated by one of the specialist guides who will lead the interaction and ensure the safety of the guests as well to make sure that the cheetahs are not disturbed.
3. CONSERVING RHINO’S AT MARATABA
PLACE: Marataba, Marakele National Park
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE:
Spot these awe-inspiring creatures in their natural habitat and gain true knowledge of all their wonders and characteristics. Marataba is home to a critically important, medium-sized population of white and black rhino and represents a fresh approach and new-wave to eco-tourism. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and participate in the actions that will help conserve these threatened species. During the course of your stay, you will partake in the notching and micro-chipping of a rhino, help with other conservation measures such as camera trapping and predator monitoring – an intense action packed, experience is guaranteed!
4. WITNESS TURTLES HATCHING AT KOSI BAY, (November to March)
PLACE: Kosi Bay, KwaZulu – Natal
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE:
The quiet turtle might not be at the top of everyone’s ‘to-see’ list, but South African turtle tours are becoming a desirable experience. The magnificent Elephant Coast in KwaZulu – Natal stretching from St Lucia to Kosi Bay is known as ‘turtle country’. Turtles are secretive animals and are therefore not regularly sighted, Turtle tours however, will provide you with this rare opportunity to gain a greater understanding of these fascinating creatures up-close.
5. TRACKING WILD CHEETAH ON FOOT
PLACE: Mountain Zebra National Park, Eastern Cape
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE:
It all starts with a morning game drive accompanied by your guide as you explore private parts of the reserve in search of the elusive Mountain Zebra National Park cheetahs. Once the signal from a collared cheetah is found, you will have the exciting opportunity to get up-close on foot and experience the raw beauty of this beautiful animal in a person.
Contact us at hello@satoriafrica.co.ca or agatha@satoriafrica.co.za to find out how you can help conserve our wildlife and we will put together the right tracking trip for you!
